There are a lot, make that 35,100,000, web hosting companies (according to a Google search). How do you choose one without losing money? First, of all, make a list of what you need to create the website you want. Do you have knowledge of html, css or software programs for creating websites such as Dreamweaver? Are you offering products that require an ecommerce site? Do you require a database, membership logins, or a forum or live chat? There is a lot to consider and once you know your needs you can start comparing host companies. Prices are very competitive and you can find what you need for around $5 to $9 per month. A good tip is to do a Google search for the company and add the word "review". This will bring up any reviews that people have posted. A good paid hosting company will offer the following: a Cpanel (this is a control panel or dashboard that allows you to control a number of things in your account such as My SQL databases, FTP, your domain name settings, email accounts, etc.); lots of bandwidth and storage (look for the ones like HostMonster with unlimited amounts) as well as numerous email accounts and sub domains; easy installation of software with the use of Fantastico or Simple Script; Uptime of their servers of 99.9 percent; good support through email, live chat, phone, database, etc.; at least one free domain name and credits for various third party programs such as Google and Yahoo ads. 

There are also a number of free web host companies, and this is a very good way to get started. The best ones follow a "freemium" model. This means they offer a basic free package and you can upgrade to a premium package. The best host company in this category is Yola.com. They offer for free the following: 1GB storage; free, unlimited bandwidth, upload file limit of 15MB; a very easy, drag and drop site builder; you can build up to 5 sites. Their premium package is quite reasonable: $49.95/year for 5 GB of storage, upload file limit of 100MB and you can build 25 sites. 

The one thing you have to be aware of with free hosts is that if they provide an easy site builder, they usually do not allow FTP uploads of software or database support. So be sure that what you need for your site is available. The nice thing about Yola.com is that it is quite flexible and while they do not allow software uploads, you can usually figure out a work around. Yola is also tops in the support department. Their employees are extremely helpful and many of them have actually built their own sites with Yola. They have lots of tutorials and videos and a large, active and helpful community forum.